Antler-point restrictions in selected counties
In the following counties shown in orange on the map below, only bucks that have at least four antler points on one side of their rack may be taken during the archery and firearms deer hunting seasons (except the youth portion):
Adair, Andrew, Atchison, Audrain, Barton, Bates, Benton, Boone, Buchanan, Caldwell, Callaway, Camden, Carroll, Cedar, Chariton, Clark, Clinton, Cole, Cooper, Daviess, DeKalb, Gasconade, Gentry, Grundy, Harrison, Henry, Hickory, Holt, Howard, Johnson, Knox, Lafayette, Lewis, Lincoln, Linn, Livingston, Macon, Maries, Marion, Mercer, Miller, Moniteau, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, Nodaway, Osage, Pettis, Phelps, Pike, Pulaski, Putnam, Ralls, Randolph, Ray, Saline, Schuyler, Scotland, Shelby, St. Clair, Ste. Genevieve, Sullivan, Vernon, Warren and Worth
Portions of Cass, Franklin and Jefferson counties NOT included in the urban zones.
How to count points
A legal buck must have a minimum of four points on one side, regardless of the number of points on the other side, like this seven-point buck.
Don't be fooded by size. The buck on the left has a large rack; but it has only
three points on each side, just like the one on the right. Both of these deer
are illegal under the four-point restriction.
The button buck on the left is legal to take. The buck on the right has spikes
less than three inches long; it is legal to take as well.
In counties with antler restrictions, an antlered deer must have at least four points on one side to be taken. Each of the following counts as a point:
- an antler point, if it is at least 1-inch long
- the brow tine, if it is at least 1-inch long
- the end of the main beam
- any broken tine that is at least 1-inch long.
Tines, main beams and brow tines all count as a point if they are at least 1-inch long. A buck with seven points is a legal deer in counties with antler-point restrictions.
Note: If you harvest a buck that has shed its antlers or broken the antlers off less then 3 inches from their base, record the harvest on Telecheck as an antlered buck with 0 points.
Hunting tips for counties with antler-point restrictions
Bring binoculars and give yourself plenty of time to count antler points before you take a shot. Wait for a buck that has at least four points on one side.
Successful hunters wait for the best shot – when the deer turns broadside. Learn to recognize antlers from this view to minimize errors in the field.
Legal to take
Does, button bucks and bucks with spikes less than 3 inches are legal to take on Antlerless or Any-Deer permits; but for deer management, it is better to take does.
Protected deer include all antlered deer (defined as having at least one antler 3 inches or longer) that do not have a minimum of at least four points on one side.
Letting younger males mature will increase the number of adult bucks in the future.
